Happy Birthday Jeanine! The Big 27

As Dad would say, "Two girls outstanding in their field"

Happy Happy Birthday Jeanine Dear! I remember being so jealous of your birthday growing up. It was in the summer and you got a party at every persons house we went to visit during summer vacation and I got the combined happy birthday Merry Christmas card. But this year I am excited it's in the summer. We'll have to celebrate in New Mexico. I hope you have an amazing Birthday little Sis. I can't wait to see you (and Beckham too!)

Summer!

Christmas 2005 at the Welling's in Roswell NM

I have nothing new to write and no cool pictures to post but I thought the beginning of summer vacation warranted a post. We have a lot of fun things planned for the summer. Next week we are driving to New Mexico to visit my family for the 4th of July. We are so excited. I think it's been a year since I last saw my dad (Sorry dad if I've seen you since then). It's nice that mom gets out and travels a little more. I got to spend a great week with her when Jeanine had Beckham and we went to help her. This trip is also the first time that the kids get to meet their cousin Beckham. They can't wait to see him "in real life". No summer vacation would be complete without a couple camping trips. I think we are planning on going to Shasta with our firends the Skabelands (call me Kathleen). I am very lucky because this year I get to be a cabin leader at girls camp which will be awesome. I can't believe I'm a leader though. It seems like just yesterday I was going to camp. I am so blessed that Jeremy is going to take some time off work to stay with the kids so I can go for the whole week. I am so excited to have the summer with Jaden. I miss him when he's at school and I forget what a huge help he is when he is home. I hope all of you have an amazing summer as well.

Thank You Dad!

Today is Fathers Day! I want to thank you for every little useless thing you taught me. It's amazing how many of them I've needed since I've been on my own. I remember last summer I had to check and change the oil in the lawnmower (and I knew how to do it!) I now appreciate the wisdom of making my bed every morning when I wake up(It just makes the day go better). Thank you for teaching me to love the outdoors ( I am always trying to find the perfect campsite like we use to camp at). I want my children to have the same wonderful memories that I have (Hopefully they don't wine as much as we did about hiking. That would drive me crazy). You taught me to manage my money wisely and not to spend more then I have. You've taught me to work hard at everything I do and not to settle for less then my best. I couldn't get everything done I need to if you hadn't taught me to finish what I've started. I am so proud to be your daughter. Thank you for the wonderful childhood and the wonderful advice you continue to give me. I love you.

Ella's got a potty chair ...

Ella went potty in the toilet today. There might be a end of diapers in sight. I'm not holding my breath though.

Food, Folks and Fun!

This weekend was free fishing weekend in Oregon. We took the kids to Hyatt Lake to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. Camping, fishing, and breakfast was free all weekend. You can't do better then that. We met our friends the Eisenbrandts there and had a great time. The kids learned to cast and caught a lot of little bass. We had to throw them all back, but catching them is the fun part. Jeremy caught some keepers though and they were delicious. We were really glad he caught them because on Saturday night we buned our dinner so badly (flames shooting out of the interior of the dutch oven) that it was nice to have a backup. The Eisebrandts took pity on us and shared their chilli. We definately decided that this is something we will take advantage of next year. (Despite the car alarm that seemed to go of for 20 min straight at midnight) You are all invited to join us.

Ella shows off her beautiful smile while waiting for dinner to cook.

Chase turned beaver on this trip. He could always be found with a stick in his mouth.

Ella shows off her "sparkle" fish.

Jaden, Ella, and Kyla strike a forced pose as we hike around Hyatt Lake.

Jaden shows off the catch of the day. (A Bass that we threw back because it was to small)

Wildlife Safari

Today I had different church meetings all day long, girls camp and youth celebration, so Jeremy took all of the children to wildlife safari for the afternoon. They had a blast. Jaden fed the elephant and Ella said she loved the cheetah. Kyla loved watching the monkeys swing around their jungle gym. And Jeremy came home calm and collected. I was so proud of him.

Jaden up!